Office of Licensure

  • The DDA Office of Licensure functions to protect the interest of tax-paying citizens against unlicensed service providers, unsafe environments, inadequate education and training of personnel, physical and mental abuse and any unscrupulous acts deemed detrimental to the treatment and general welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This also includes those in need of personal support services.
  • Operating out of three regional offices- DDA Licensure Surveyor’s will:
    • Conduct unannounced inspections/surveys and follow-up inspections/surveys of licensed sites
    • Review, compile, and confirm the supporting documents needed to issue licenses
    • Issue DDA provider services licenses
    • Ensure reports of wrong-doing and/or deficiency in operation of a facility or service are investigated (scrutinized or examined).
    • Maintain current files and appropriate records for all sites and services licensed by the department
    • Provide consultation and technical assistance as needed to licensure applicants.

DDA Licensure- DDA.Licensing@tn.gov

  • Report suspected violations of licensure rules
  • Submit formal or general complaints about a DDA licensed service or facility
  • Request information or ask general questions pertaining to the DDA Licensure process if unable to determine per the DDA website.


DDA Credentialing- Become a Credentialed Provider

  • Credentialing and Recredentialing process for providers seeking to provide services through the following programs administered by the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): Katie Beckett-Part A, Katie Beckett-Part B,1915c (Home and Community-Based Services Waivers), Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, and CHOICES.
  • Inquires for expanding services and locations and other specific service questions
  • Guidance through each step of the credentialing process.
  • Email the general inbox- DDA.Provider.Application@tn.gov


Health Facilities- Health Facilities Commission Licensure Information

  • Inquiring about a Residential Homes for the Aged (RHA)- supporting more than 5 people over the age of 55.
  • Questions related to licensure of hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical treatment centers, Assisted Living Care Facilities (ACLF), and other kinds of health care facilities in Tennessee.
  • The Office licenses and/or certify 21 types of health care facilities, including laboratories.
  • For questions about Licensure and Regulations, contact 615-741-7221.

01 Definitions: Clarifies key terms used throughout the licensure rules to ensure consistent interpretation and application across services and facilities.

02 Admin and Procedures: Outlines the authority and framework governing licensure, including types of licenses, application and renewal processes, fees, licensing categories, inspection protocols, grounds for denial or revocation, and enforcement actions.

03  Application of Rules for Service Categories: Establishes how the general licensure rules apply or are adapted for different service categories, ensuring clarity about which specific standards govern each type of facility or service.

04 Life Safety: Specifies requirements related to health, safety, and physical standards to protect people in licensed settings.

05 Facility Environment Ancillary Services: Addresses facility conditions and service quality, including sanitation, accessibility, and the appropriateness of provided services, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for individuals served.

06 Min Prog Reqs. for All Facilities: Defines baseline operational standards applicable to all licensed programs: governance, staffing, policies and procedures, documentation, rights protection, confidentiality, and service delivery.

07 ID Adult Habilitation Day: Details operational, staffing, and program standards specific to day habilitation services for adults with intellectual disabilities, including activity structure and individualized planning.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Community Integrated Support Services (CISS – KB‑A, KB‑B)
  • Community Participation Supports (DDA CP)
  • Intermittent Employment & Community Integration Wrap‑Around Supports (DDA IECW)
  • Non‑Residential Homebound Support Services (DDA NRHSMB)
  • Independent Living Skills Training (ECF ILST)
  • ECF CISS (ECF Community Integrated Support Services)

08 DD Adult Habilitation Day: Parallels Chapter 7, tailored for individuals with developmental (non-ID) disabilities, focusing on adherence to developmental habilitation principles.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Community Integrated Support Services (CISS – KB‑A, KB‑B)
  • Community Participation Supports (DDA CP)
  • Intermittent Employment & Community Integration Wrap‑Around Supports (DDA IECW)
  • Non‑Residential Homebound Support Services (DDA NRHSMB)
  • Independent Living Skills Training (ECF ILST)
  • ECF CISS (ECF Community Integrated Support Services

09 Diagnosis Evaluation: Prescribes standards for facilities providing assessment and diagnosis, including required qualifications, testing protocols, report generation, and follow-up procedures.

10 IDD Institutional Habilitation: Specifies requirements for institutional habilitation settings to ensure holistic development.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Behavioral Respite (DDA BA RESP)

11 IDD Residential Habilitation: Defines standards for funded residential habilitation services, covering residential programming, safety measures, staff qualifications, individualized planning, and community integration.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Behavioral Respite (DDA BA RESP)
  • Residential Habilitation (DDA RES HAB) Community Living Supports 3 (ECF CLS 3)
  • Community Living Supports 4 (ECF CLS 4) Community Stabilization & Transition (CST / ECF CLS CST)
  • Emergency Placement (ECF CLS EPCST)
  • Intensive Behavioral CTSS – Group 8 (IBCTSS)

13 IDD Placement: Covers the licensure criteria for agencies providing placement support and ongoing oversight.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Community Living Supports – Family Model (ECF CLS‑FM levels 1–4)
  • Family Model Residential Support (DDA FMRS)
  • CHOICES Community Living Supports – Family Model (HCBS CLS FM)

14 IDD Respite Care: Outlines operational and clinical standards for licensed respite providers, including duty of care, staff training, and safeguarding clients during short-term stays.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Respite (DDA RESP)
  • Behavioral Respite (DDA BA RESP)
  • Respite (ECF RESP)
  • Respite (KB‑A RES)
  • Respite (KB‑B RES)
  • CHOICES Respite In‑Home

15 ID Semi-Independent Living: Specifies criteria enabling adults with intellectual disabilities to live semi-independently, including support plans, housing oversight, staff availability, and skill development.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • DDA Semi‑Independent Living (DDA SIL)
  • Community Living Supports 1 & 2 (HCBS CLS 1/2 – CHOICES)
  • ECF CLS 1a, 1b, and CLS 2

16 DD Semi-Independent Living: Parallels Chapter 15, with adjustments to fit the developmental disabilities population, focusing on autonomy, safety, and needed support structures.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • DDA Semi‑Independent Living (DDA SIL)
  • Community Living Supports 1 & 2 (HCBS CLS 1/2 – CHOICES)
  • ECF CLS 1a, 1b, and CLS 2

17 Personal Support Services Agencies: Sets regulatory standards for agencies offering in-home personal support.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Personal Assistance (DDA PA)
  • Personal Assistance (ECF PA) (PSSA or PSSL or Home Care Org)
  • Personal Care (HCBS PC) (PSSA or PSSL or Home Care Org)
  • Supportive Home Care (KB‑A SHC)
  • Supportive Home Care (KB‑B SHC)
  • Supportive Home Care (ECF SHC) (PSSA or PSSL or Home Care Org)
  • Intensive Behavioral Family Centered Treatment & Supports (ECF IBFCTSS‑7) (Requires PSSA + clinician)

18 IDD Supported Living: Defines the framework for supported living, emphasizing individualized, community-based support, tenancy rights, staff support models, and independence.

  • Service examples for this license include:
  • Supported Living (DDA SL)
  • Community Stabilization & Transition (CST / ECF CLS CST) (one of two acceptable licenses)
  • Emergency Placement (ECF CLS EPCST)
  • Intensive Behavioral CTSS – Group 8 (IBCTSS)
  • Community Living Supports 3 (ECF CLS 3) and 4 (ECF CLS 4) (depending on level)
  • CHOICES CLS 3 (HCBS CLS 3)

19 Support Coordination: Lays out standards for coordinating services. (DDA only)

20 DD Preschool facility and services: Specifies criteria for preschool programs serving children with developmental disabilities, including staff-child ratios, educational frameworks, therapeutic services, and child safety. (Requires TEIS preapproval)

21 Tier 1- Home for the Aged: Covers small boarding homes for ages 55+, detailing admissions, care standards, staffing, safety, and annual inspections.

Applying to become a Licensed Provider through DDA  (for new Provider applicants only)

What services are licensed through DDA?

  • ID & DD Institutional Habilitation 
  • ID & DD Residential Habilitation 
  • ID & DD Boarding Home 
  • ID & DD Placement Services 
  • ID & DD Respite Care Services 
  • ID & DD Supportive Living 
  • ID & DD Diagnosis & Evaluation 
  • ID and/or DD Semi-independent Living 
  • ID and/or DD Adult Habilitation –  Center or Community Based 
  • DD Preschool – Center or Community Based 
  • Support Coordination 
  • Personal Support Services 
  • Tier 1 - Home for the Aged 

What is needed to apply for licensing through DDA?

Initial Application Packet: 

  1. DDA Licensure Initial Application 
  2. DDA Licensure Financial Statement Form
  3. DDA Licensure Board of Directors - Advisory Board Form 
  4. DDA Licensure Fact Sheets, may select one or both depending on licensing needs:
  • Policies and Procedures for your agency (policies required are found in the Licensure Rules)
  • An active filing with the Secretary of State         
  • An application is considered complete only when all required documents and forms have been submitted. Surveyors are not assigned until all the Initial Application documents are received.
  • The complete Initial Application packet should be submitted simultaneously, within the same day, or your application will be incomplete and will be closed upon preliminary review.
  • For services that require a licensed business office, the site must be zoned and classified for business occupancy. Simply owning the location does not meet this requirement.
  • PSSA-Only licensing does not require business office.

 

What type of background check is needed?

  • A national criminal background check administered by Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) or a licensed private investigative company or licensed private investigative individual, through www.identogo.com and the VECHS waiver form. 

How long does the process take?

  • Due to the high volume of both Initial and Renewal applications, review and determination of an Initial license may take at least six months. Initial applications are reviewed and assigned in the order they become complete. An application is considered complete only when all required documentation has been submitted.
  • The licensure timeline cannot move forward until accurate and complete documentation is received. Surveyors cannot pause their existing workload to prioritize an incomplete submission. Delayed or piecemeal responses may place your application behind others that become complete sooner.

How much will this cost?

  • A breakdown of the cost can be found in the Licensure Rules in Chapter 2 (0465-02-02-.05 FEES); however, an invoice will be provided and calculated based on the services that are applied for licensing. 
  • Payment is expected upon receipt by invoice only. The assigned regional surveyor submits the invoice to the applicant once the application has been accepted. 

Where can I find guidance to help create required policies? 

  • Your agency’s policies and procedures must align with the DDA Licensure Rules. Failure to comply will result in a licensure delay and possibly denial.
  • The policy guidance can be found in DDA Licensure Rules
    • Minimum Program Requirements for All Facilities/Services 0465-02-06
    • Additional policy requirements for specific service types can be found in the corresponding DDA Licensure Rules

Who will be working with me during the application process?

  • There will be a Licensure Surveyor assigned to work with the new applicants in each region.
  • To ensure we can assist you efficiently, please review all available guidance materials prior to reaching out. If clarification is still needed and is not addressed on the Licensure website or in other shared communications, please email DDA.Licensing@tn.gov with your specific question. 

What file formats are acceptable?

  • Avoid submitting graphic files like JPEG or TIFF.
  • Use PDF or DOC formats instead.
  • Documents should be neatly organized, aligned in the same direction, and ready for review.
  • Each document submitted must be labeled with your organization’s name and applicable regional information. 

What is a Sole Proprietor?

  • A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, where one person owns and runs an unincorporated business which will not require a filing with the Secretary of State. 

How long does the license last?

  • The standard duration of a license is a year.  

Are there Provider Forums for direct questions and answers?  

  • Attending the DDA Provider Credentialing Forum is highly encouraged. It provides valuable insights into the application process and increases your chances of success. 
  • Additionally, we ask that you review the Become a Credentialed Provider website to determine whether your inquiry should be directed to Credentialing. 
  • Fire Marshall inquires

o     Ask.TDCI@tn.gov

o     State Fire Marshal- Permits & Inspections

o   BlueCare: choicesproviderrelations@bcbst.com  

o   Wellpoint:  tnltsspr@wellpoint.com   

o   United HealthCare:  tn_ltc_networkmail@uhc.com   

  • DDA Open Line Sign up to receive our future emails for the most current DDA updates.
  • Licensure Review Panel Protocol